PLANS have been lodged to build an office building on the site of a former colliery.

Clarke Construction, of Stone, wants to build the two-storey building on land off Maries Way, Silverdale.

The land has been vacant since Silverdale Colliery closed in 1998 and the applicant says nearby residents would like to see the site developed.

Clarke Construction also says there is a demand for office premises in the area.

The application states: "The economic demand for a commercial development in the area is supported by recent local developments such as Keele Business Park and the adjacent Silverdale Business Park.

"The adjacent business park was created on the former Silverdale Colliery, which closed in 1998. The aim for the regeneration of the Silverdale Business Park was to address the social and economic issues in this deprived and isolated former mining community, by creating new employment opportunities for local people."

It is hoped that up to 40 people could be employed on the site, once the scheme is completed.

Planning officers at Newcastle Borough Council will consider the application over the coming weeks.